Take note of timing

Patrick Forsyth makes some suggestions about pre-publication plans

I suspect I am like many writers – when I have finished something then I want to see it published as soon as possible. I want to put a book on my shelf, show it to people and, hopefully, sell some copies and receive payment for them.

But there are reasons not to rush. After all, a book is new only once (though maybe hardback and paperback?) and there are things to organise for its launch. These may involve collaborating with a publisher or, with self-publishing, going it alone. Many promotional things need to be ready to go on or around publication date; and remember that getting a news item in, say, a monthly magazine may mean sending something many weeks ahead. Timing needs considering carefully. In advance. You do not want a last-minute rush; nor to write a press release in haste and do it in some way poorly.

Some things too need organising well ahead. Recently I got agreement for a new book to be reviewed in manuscript form (in the hopes that a positive comment could then go on the cover). This had to be done ahead of the cover design being finalised, and involved a frustrating wait while the book was read, with fingers crossed for a complimentary review. But this sort of thing is worth organising. It makes a difference and, though it may be awkward, it could affect sales positively.

This is an area where there may be many things to be thought of and then executed over a period of weeks, maybe months. Make a list. Work down it progressively and you can make a book launch work well.

• Patrick Forsyth’s new novel, Where there’s a will, was published in September (with a good review on the cover!)